I don't want to start a religious war or anything, but I do have questions about a few languages. I have a project that was originally done in Java and was about 75% complete, but now it has to be redone, the conditions are quite different than they were 4-5 years ago when the previous code was written.

While I've been doing research, I'd like to get some background on the different languages at this point so I have a good idea what I can focus on and what I can (likely) ignore.

I see, in the FAQ, that open ended questions like this are discouraged. But I don't know of other programming forums that aren't focused on a specific language.

So are there appropriate ways to ask such a question? (Actually it's several questions about C++, Python, Perl, Java and cross platform stuff.)

3 Answers
3

If you phrase your question well, provide a lot of context about your project and its challenges, and stay away from "I've heard MUMPS is better than anything else" kinds of arguments, then give http://programmers.stackexchange.com a shot.

Programmers is for subjective questions, but a simple "What language is better for web applications" will get shut down so fast (not that you've indicated that you'll write this kind of question). Context, context, context, and read the FAQ.

I take it by "phrase your question well," you mean to ask specific questions and not set it up as asking which is the best language, but focus more on the advantages or disadvantages of each language for this task?
–
TangoApr 11 '11 at 1:49

3

@Tango: exactly, with an emphasis on "for this task", describing that task in detail, and where you see your challenges arising.
–
Michael PetrottaApr 11 '11 at 1:50

SEARCH for similar questions first, be specific in what information you are looking for comparisons in, avoid judgement words like "better," and flag for moderator attention, asking to have the question be made a wiki.